Edward Butler Blanc, Jr., 72, of Stevens Street in Charlestown, NH, died unexpectedly on Monday, September 22, 2014 at a family cottage in Biddeford, Maine.

He was born in Knoxville, TN, on March 15, 1942, the son of Edward Butler and Marjory Judith (Atkinson) Blanc.

Ed was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served from 1962-1967. He was assigned to Charlie Company, 1^st Battalion, 5^th Marines as an M-60 machine gunner. In November, 1963, he deployed to Camp Schwab, Okinawa, and joined the 1^st Marine Expeditionary Force G-2-3.  As part of the 3^rd Marines, 3^rd Marine Division he deployed to Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and Okinawa for training. He fought in the Tonkin Gulf Crisis in August of 1964 and later fought in Danang, Vietnam, on August 5^th, 1965, attached to the 1^st Marine Expeditionary Force. His second tour of active duty ended in 1966.

He retired after 40 years from Lovejoy Tool Company in Springfield, VT.

Ed was a 42-year active member of the Charlestown Fire Department, having served as a firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain and Fire Chief. He also served as the Fire Warden for the past 14 years.

In the 1970s-80s he was a member of the Charlestown Ambulance and had served as their director for many years. In the mid 80s, Ed served as a police officer for a few years.

Ed dedicated his life to helping others and making his country and community a better place.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather with a big heart and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family.

The family includes his wife, Alice Helen (Phillips) Blanc whom he married on March 2, 1968; two sons, Timothy Blanc and his wife, Anna of Walpole and Mathew Blanc and his wife Deborah of Charlestown; three grandchildren, Samantha Blanc, Jaxson Blanc and Pia Blanc. Alice Blanc retired in 2008 after teaching for many years in the Springfield, VT, school system.

Funeral services will be held with Military Honors on Saturday, September 27^th at three o’clock in the afternoon at the Charlestown Congregational Church with Rev. Susan Grant Rosen, officiating.

Burial will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Charlestown Fire Department, PO Box 304, Charlestown, NH 03603.